The first cellulose/bentonite doped vanadium from natural bentonite and wheat wastes for oxidation of sulfur compounds

Abstract A novel nanocomposite based on extracted cellulose from wheat wastes and natural bentonite was fabricated. Cellulose and bentonite were attached covalently (Cell/Bent composite) and vanadium complex was immobilized on it to have Cell/Bent@V Complex nanocomposite. It was further evaluated by SEM, TEM, ICP, AFM, XRD, XPS, and FT-IR. Catalytic activity of Cell/Bent@V Complex nanocomposite was evaluated on the oxidation of sulfides and oxidative coupling of thiols. The excellent conversion and selectivity were obtained for oxidation of sulfides to corresponding sulfoxides as a sole product and oxidative coupling of thiol to corresponding disulfides. The SEM, XRD, and FT-IR of recycled and reused catalyst were shown the high stability and activity of Cell/Bent@V Complex nanocomposite.